YMCA hosts celebration in honor of Learn to Swim Day

Over 45 swimmers and non- swimmers converged at the Hunterdon County YMCA on Saturday, May 17 for the YMCA’s first celebration of National Learn to Swim Day. The free event was held to bring attention to the importance of learning to swim.

“Last year over 202 people died in drowning accidents between Memorial Day and Labor Day in the United States,” noted Y Aquatic Director, Flora Mannino, “ We wanted to conduct this event and draw attention to the fact that swim lessons save lives and a parent’s knowledge of ways to keep kids safe in and around the water is critical.”

The celebration featured swim lessons for people of all ages and abilities as well as a personal water safety and rescue demonstration with hands on practice. Parents received a handbook which gave tips on keeping their children safe around pools, waterparks, rivers and beaches. Youngsters were able to view a video about water safety and making good decisions around water.

The lessons were not restricted to young children, several adults of varying ages also came in for a swim lesson. One young man was trembling as his girlfriend accompanied him to the registration table. “I’ve never had a swim lesson, he said. I’m pretty much terrified.” He was reassured by Y staff member and event co-coordinator, Terri Snyder. “Don’t worry, the instructors will work with you at your level and help you. They won’t let anything happen to you.” When she saw him leaving the Y a few hours later she asked him how it went. “It was really good. I couldn't believe I got in the water and they helped me get comfortable and learn.”

At the end of the session, participants got a swimming evaluation and young swimmers signed the Safe Swimmer Pledge. One youngster excitedly relayed his experience to Ms. Snyder on his way out. Miss Terri, he said “Do you know that if someone is drowning in the water you are not supposed to jump in and save them because they can bring you under too. But you can save them by throwing them something that floats and telling them to hold on and kick. I practiced and I know what to do.” He reported proudly.
Patti Cappelletti of Lebanon won the Learn to Swim drawing for a free session of swim lessons at the YMCA.

Non-swimmers and parents had no sooner cleared out of the pool area when the U.S. Navel Sea Cadets Corps , Travis Manion Battalion, reported to the pool deck under the command of LTJG William F. Wheatley USNSCC. The Sea Cadets were at the YMCA pool to participate in an annual swim test, which let them try their swimming skills at the US Navy basic swim qualifications. Swimmers were able to test out at three levels, which would determine whether they were classified as a First, Second or Third Class U.S. Navy swimmer.

In addition to demonstrating proficiency in swimming, floating and treading abilities, Cadets seeking First class Navy swimming status also had to demonstrate that they could jump from a height of over 5 ft. wearing military trousers, take them off and inflate them to use as flotation devices and finally do an underwater swim demonstrating the “burning oil” maneuver. “These tests are done because they may have to jump from a ship into the water and if there is burning oil, they need to be able to swim underwater away from it without their feet breaking the surface. Otherwise they will get burned,” explained Executive Officer Instructor, Gregory Lukacs. Officer Lukacs is also a US Navy Reserve and Air Force Reserve Veteran with 27 years in the military. Also on hand to supervise, guide and test were civilian volunteers Patricia Lahov and Theresa Smith, Administration and Frank Michel, Supply.

The U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps recently moved into the Echo Hill Park site in Lebanon in November 2013. The group is named after Travis Mannion, a U.S. marine who lost his life in Fallujah, Iraq. According to the LTJG William Wheatley, when Travis Mannion volunteered to sign up for a second tour of duty in Fallujah he said to his commanding officer. “If not me, then who…” The Battalion has these words printed on the back of their t-shirts. In addition to his role as Commanding officer, William Wheatley, is also a retired NJ State Police and US Army Veteran 1st Gulf War 1991 and a member of the Hunterdon County YMCA.